My way of thinking has changed

I can’t sleep tonight, I don’t know why. So I think it is a good idea to write down my experience of yesterday and share it with you.

Yesterday morning a person called me and asked me if I was able in the afternoon to take care of more or less 5 children while their parents had a meeting. The person, who is used to do it, wasn’t yesterday so I say “Yes I can”. I am used to be with children and I am studying teaching training (I am doing it bilingual so I write in English to improve my level), because of that I was calmed before going. Some hours before, I had prepared some games and some paints for them to colour. But on the way from my house to the school I thought it could be a great idea to help them to do their homework. Then, they would have free time at home. I was thinking on that idea but at the end I decided to do whatever the group of children needs. I know that some of my lectures prepare their classes but they don’t know what exactly is going to happen and what they are going to do. It depends on the class. So I had the same idea.

 

When I arrived there 10 minutes earlier, there were two little girls with their parents. It was surprise for me that they only have six years. They had their rucksacks so I thought: I am sure they have not too much homework; we can to it and then play. But everything changed in my mind when 5 minutes later, around 20 six years old children came. My head was working really fast. I was saying to the parents where the meeting was; saying welcome to the children; thinking on what we could do… many ideas came to my head.

We had a problem, the classroom was small and there were many tables and chairs inside. I was thinking on solutions but I decided stop to think alone. We were around 25 people (25 brains) and I used it. I told the problem to the children and moderated by me they were giving interesting and creative solutions. The problem was solved with the help of everybody and then we could play to some games (I taught them 2 games and they taught also 2).

It was interesting for me to see how they behave when an adult explains them something, in that case a game, and when a classmate explains them the game and the rules. Also I was surprised to see how fast a child can assume a new role, I mean, when they have to explain something to the rest of the people. I don´t know if the movements, words, rhythm of speaking etc. that they use are natural or they try to imitate their teachers.

When it finished, I reminded all that what happened and how I have behave, reflect during that time and managed the situations. We didn’t do the homework, neither paint nor play the game I had though before.

I think 2 years ago I would have done it differently, I am completely sure. Since I started my degree I have been changing. I have changed my way of thinking so I have change myself and also me way of doing things. I can notice it.